Microsoft to open artificial intelligence center in London; UK wins big in war for AI talent

LONDON – Microsoft has announced plans to build a new artificial intelligence (AI) center in London to focus on product development and research.

The unit will be led by London-born Google DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman, who Microsoft hired last month.

why it’s important

As a major backer of OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, Microsoft is a world leader in this rapidly evolving technology.

But competition for AI talent has been heating up across Europe over the past 18 months. Microsoft may look to poach experts from other AI-focused companies to staff its new division, such as DeepMind or OpenAI.

The move also represents a victory for the UK, which has sought to bolster its credibility as a technological superpower since hosting the world’s first global AI security summit last November.

context

Last month, Microsoft hired DeepMind co-founder Suleyman to run its internal Microsoft artificial intelligence unit.

Suleyman resigned from his recently founded company, Inflection AI, and joined Microsoft with dozens of employees.

The move was criticized in some quarters because the employee relocation meant Microsoft avoided the regulatory scrutiny that typically accompanies traditional acquisitions.

From a numerical perspective

While it’s unclear how many jobs the new center will create, the announcement builds on Microsoft’s recent commitment to invest £2.5 billion ($3.16 billion) in data center infrastructure and boost artificial intelligence skills across the UK.

Key Quotes

Suleiman writes in the book: “Having worked closely with thought leaders in UK government, business and academia, I know that the UK is committed to advancing AI responsibly and driving investment, innovation and innovation with a commitment to safety first. and economic growth,” a company blog post published on Monday.

“Our decision to open this center in the UK reflects this ambition.”